BC PNP Tech

Last updated: 14 March 2023

BC PNP Tech 2

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech allows the technology sector in BC to attract and retain the talent it needs to grow the sector further.

BC PNP Tech was originally launched in 2017 as a pilot project in response to the fast growing demand for talent in BC's technology sector. In June 2021, the province made the pilot a permanent program. The initiative aims to attract skilled workers and meet the demand for technology talent by expanding British Columbia's pool of skilled workers.

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How it works

The BC PNP Tech is only open to people who are already eligible for either the Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC stream of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program.

The BC PNP issues invitations on a weekly basis to qualified registrants who have a valid job offer in one of the 29 eligible occupations.

Job offers under the BC PNP tech must:

  • be for one of the 29 eligible occupations under the BC PNP Tech ;
  • be at least one year in duration (365 days); and
  • have 120 calendar days remaining at the time of application. 

The free registration process includes providing information about the applicant’s supporting B.C. employer. In order to be issued an invitation to apply, both the applicant and his or her employer must meet all program requirements at the time of registration. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee that the applicant will be invited to apply.

For the BC PNP Tech the minimum duration of the job offer is 365 days, as opposed to the other BC PNP streams which require a job offer for an indeterminate duration. A job offer that is longer than a year will continue to be eligible for the Tech. The job offer must also be full-time and from an eligible employer in the province.

The BC PNP supports employers to attract and retain needed talent by providing an expedited immigration pathway for internationally trained workers who have the critical skills, experience and qualifications needed by BC employers, as well as international students who have completed their education in BC or elsewhere in Canada and have the critical skills required for BC’s technology sector.

The BC PNP will continue to invite candidates under different categories of its Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), depending on their job, work experience, and level of education.

To learn more about immigrating to B.C., see our complete BC PNP page.

BC PNP TECH application process

  • Once a candidate has determined his or her category, he or she may register online and receive a registration score. Registration is free.
  • Every week (subject to processing capacity), the BC PNP will conduct a tech draw to invite the highest-scoring technology sector registrants to apply.
  • Invited candidates have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete online application. The government application fee is $700.
  • The BC PNP will process the application on a priority basis.
  • If approved, the applicant receives a nomination that he or she can use to apply for permanent residence.
  • Individuals who have been nominated and who meet the conditions of their nomination will receive a work permit support letter that allows them to obtain or renew their current work permit allowing them to work throughout the process.

The BC PNP Tech features

  • Dedicated concierge service
    • Tech employers have access to relevant immigration information.
  • Weekly invitations for tech registrants to apply
    • Tech employers have timely access to qualified individuals in the 29 eligible tech occupations.
  • Priority processing
    • Dedicated BC PNP Tech Team and next business day assignment of tech applications in the 29 occupations. The BC PNP says most applications are processed within two to three months.
  • Focused outreach and engagement
    • BC PNP sessions and events tailored for the tech sector, including one-on-one employer support.

Eligible occupations for BC PNP Tech 

Occupation
NOC
Telecommunication carriers managers
0131
Computer and information systems managers
0213
Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
0512
Civil engineers
2131
Mechanical engineers
2132
Electrical and electronics engineers
2133
Chemical engineers
2134
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
2147
Information systems analysts and consultants
2171
Database analysts and data administrators
2172
Software engineers and designers
2173
Computer programmers and interactive media developers
2174
Web designers and developers
2175
Biological technologists and technicians
2221
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2241
Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2242
Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
2243
Computer network technicians
2281
User support technicians
2282
Information systems testing technicians
2283
Authors and writers
5121
Editors
5122
Translators, terminologists and interpreters
5125
Broadcast technicians
5224
Audio and video recording technicians
5225
Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
5226
Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts
5227
Graphic designers and illustrators
5241
Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade
6221

Contact us for Assistance

Cohen Immigration Law is a leading Canadian immigration law firm with over 45 years of experience. Cohen Immigration Law features over 60 immigration lawyers, paralegals, and professionals who are dedicated to helping you immigrate to Canada.

CanadaVisa.com was founded as the online presence of Cohen Immigration Law. Since its launch in 1994, CanadaVisa has grown into one of the globe's most trusted resources on Canadian immigration. If you want to immigrate to Canada through the BC PNP TEch or another skilled worker pathway, the first step is to complete a free CanadaVisa assessment form. If you are eligible for Canadian immigration, a member of the Cohen Immigration Law team will reach out to provide you with as much assistance as possible.

Complete our FREE assessment to find out if you are eligible for Canadian immigration!